David L Cook

David Lee Cook, born to Mary Jeanne (Buckley) & Glen Cook in Oak Park, IL on April 19, 1942, passed away in Bloomington, IN at age 83 on January 14, 2026.
Dave was a life-long lover of fast motors, sports of all kinds, and women. His early days on a Triumph motorcycle led to an exciting life filled with drag racing hot rods, driving speedboats and waterskiing in the summer, riding snowmobiles in the winter, and his coronation as the storied Corvette King. He maintained that his fastest speed behind the wheel was 160mph, and only regretted that he never had a chance to go to outer space.
In the early 1960s Dave served in the US Army at Fort Shafter in Honolulu, Hawaii, which he called the most beautiful place in the world. During his adventurous youth he marveled at the power of Hercules Nike missiles, briefly courted actress Donna Douglas, once shook the hand of "The Duke" John Wayne, and was a "decorated" MVP of the Army flag football team.
Throughout his life Dave pursued a variety of business ventures, often working closely with his dad and brothers. Many knew Dave and his brother Jim from Bloomington's Village Inn Pizza where they loved to host the IU basketball team. He later operated a Bloomington Baskin Robbins franchise, which was for a time the top earning store out of 531 regional locations. From his varied business pursuits in milk delivery to dry cleaning, pizza parlors to ice cream, what he loved most was mentoring.
Ever the optimist, Dave felt blessed to be married five times and remained charismatic till the end, enjoying attention from his incredibly kind and caring nurses at Bloomington's Hospice House. He spent his final days visiting with family and friends, cheering on IU football's historic run for the National Championship, and appreciating calls and well wishes from his best friends Jim, John and Ralph, whom he was honored to have in his corner.
He is survived by his children Mary Jeanne Cook Beck, Robert Joseph Cook, Kathleen Cook and Margaret Hanna, grandchildren Elizabeth, Lauren, Ava, Jimmy and Madeline, great grandchildren Owen and Rory, several nieces and nephews, and four former wives, Mary, Pamela, Darby and Jeri. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and Tom, sister Kristi, his first wife Linda, and his eldest son, Matt.
In his last days, he offered wisdom to those he left behind, "It's nice to be important but it's more important to be nice."
A celebration of life will be held at a later date announced by David's family. Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville is assisting with arrangements. Share memories, condolences, and more with David's family